Andy Reid is counting on both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce this year, but the Kansas City Chiefs will face big challenges in the 2025 NFL season. Their dominance in the AFC West will be put to the test, with teams like the Los Angeles Chargers looking to reach new heights. Recently, the Chiefs were warned about what Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert could do this upcoming season.
During an interview with Kay Adams on her “Up & Adams” show, former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman warned Reid and company that the Chargers are ready to claim the division title.
“I’m not just saying it because I’m a Charger. I think they’re going to win the division this year. I really feel that way. I don’t want to take anything away from Patrick Mahomes,” Merriman said, via Chiefs Wire.
“They (Chiefs) always (have) a great team and a helluva coach in Andy Reid. But truthfully, where the Chargers at, the jump that they made. Remember, before the season started last year, nobody saw the Chargers even being a playoff team.”
Shawne Merriman believes Chargers will overtake Chiefs in AFC West
Merriman spent six seasons with the Chargers from 2005 to 2010, when they were still in San Diego. That connection makes it hard to believe that his opinion isn’t biased, but the three-time Pro Bowler may still have a fair point.
“That was the exact same team, almost that minus a Keenan Allen and some of these other guys that Jim Harbaugh took over; nobody saw them going to the playoffs, so if he’s able to do that in one year, what are they gonna be looking like this year? With a full year under their belt. New guys,” Merriman added.
“The coaching staff, everybody understands the system now, so if you don’t think they’re not gonna win a division, you know, it’s just, it’s crazy not to say that I think they’re the best team in the AFC West right now.”
The Chiefs’ AFC West dominance will be put to the test
Saying that the Chargers are the best team in the division may be a reach right now. But with Kelce nearing retirement and their division rivals improving, one could wonder whether Reid and Mahomes will be able to extend their success.
The Chargers appear to be in a growing direction under Harbaugh with Herbert at the helm of the offense, just like the Denver Broncos with Sean Payton and Bo Nix. The Las Vegas Raiders, with Pete Carroll as head coach, also promise to put up a fight in the AFC West, a division won by the Chiefs in the last nine seasons.
Chiefs expected to play Chargers outside the US in Week 1
Curiously, the Chargers and Chiefs are expected to face each other early in the 2025 NFL season. According to Eric Fisher of FrontOfficeSports.com, the division rivals will play their season opener in Brazil on September 5. It would be an interesting opportunity to see whether Merriman’s prediction could become true.